That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalms 26:7 KJV
2 Corinthians 9:13-15 ~ 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. KJV
Chapter 9 - Paul's letter to the
Corinthians, is full of wisdom used to encourage the Corinthian Church to
continue in the good fight for the Lord. They had agreed to support the
Christian work in Jerusalem, and he encouraged them to continue to do so, and
it wasn't for their monetary value of giving, it was the action of giving from
the heart and the blessings from God for their faithfulness. When we give in
light of souls that may be reached, there is no limitation on God's blessings.
When we give with an open heart and joy in the ability to do so, the Bible says
He will bless us abundantly. Luke 6:38 - Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed
down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.
For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you
again.
God is in control Christian. If
we would just obey the Word, trust in Him for our every provision, and truly
apply it to our lives, God not only gives enough blessings for us, but he
supplies more than we need, so that we can supply the wants of
others. This should be as seed to be sown. When we sow abundantly, he
supplies way and above our needs.
God wants us to give. This is an
ever example of our trust and faith in Him. We were just advised by our
dear friend that she must sell our home, our sanctuary here in Florida.
Blessings beyond blessings has she been to us, and we know this is a difficult
time for her. But after we got over that first shock, and took it immediately
to the Lord, our thoughts were not of soon being homeless, but how she was
doing in this hard time. God has blessed us "over and above AND running
over" He will not fail us now. We know that. He has proved Himself
over and over, and He will continue to do so. Our lives are not our own, we
belong to the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. His supply is all we
need!
A simple message in Corinthians 9
– one that we try to take part in daily. Nothing we have is our own, it all
belongs to God, and He will give us strength and wisdom to carry on His work. Paul
wanted the church of Corinth (and us) to see; that there is no limitation on
what they could give, and because of that the Gospel would continue and God
would receive all the praise honor and glory He more than ever deserves.
But it still takes money to run a
church or home; that ever-looming light bill, water bill, mortgage,
rent, car payment etc. If we would but
copy the example of Jesus Christ, never tiring of doing good and letting us
know it is more blessed to give than to receive, there is no limitation on our
giving. We thank God daily for His gift of grace, which allows us to give back
to others in His name. We are thankful for every opportunity to serve the Lord
in giving, as He deserves all the honor and glory.
Pray with us for our next move
here in Florida - we will know soon, I am sure, if we can afford to stay in
this home with a new landlord, or if we look for another. We may be displaced from our little abode but look excitedly to see How God will take care of us. Thankful and
blessed, we allow the Lord to take control by taking our hands off. Hard
to do, isn't it? News like we heard at first causes a little panic and
concern, but God's ways are not our ways. We thank you all for your
prayers, love, financial support ~ we couldn't do what we do without it. When
we give in love and give by grace; God will take care of the rest. We
pray His richest blessings on you! And do pray for our dear friend and her family. Times are very hard for everyone. Pray that a good sound independent fundamental church might be raised up for their efforts where they live. God is working!
If you don't know Him, come to Him today!
Tom & Linda Milam
Lord, help us to be worthy of your sacrifice, may we be the ultimate and abundant givers, giving from the heart with joy and pray that others might see Jesus in us. Save the lost, encourage the saints please. And help us to be wise, studied up, aware, and faithful to You, giving YOU all of our best with an open loving heart for the ministry and people. Help us Lord, to be wise in our homelife and all that is going on with that. Please bless our real estate agent, Lisa. Give her great wisdom and discernment on what to do. Amen.
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